Environmental sleeve for portable electronic devices

ABSTRACT

Protective sleeves for portable electronic devices are provided. More particularly, embodiments relate to a protective sleeve that is capable of protecting a portable electronic device enclosed within from multiple environmental effects, including heat, cold, water, and impact forces from being dropped. In embodiments, provided is a protective sleeve comprising: an outer layer of material with a reflective surface; and an inner layer of material with a protective surface; wherein the outer layer of material and the inner layer of material are layered together and configured to receive a portable electronic device. A thermal masking material and products thereof which can be used in a variety of applications where reduced visibility and heat detection is desired such as military, law enforcement, and hunting are also described.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application relies on the disclosures of and claims priorityto and the benefit of the filing dates of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/424,579, filed Nov. 21, 2016, U.S. Provisional Application Nos.62/460,946 and 62/460,943, filed Feb. 20, 2017, and U.S. ProvisionalApplication Nos. 62/492,382 and 62/492,386, filed May 1, 2017. Thedisclosures of each of these applications are hereby incorporated byreference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to protective sleeves for portableelectronic devices. More particularly, embodiments of the presentinvention relate to a protective sleeve that is capable of protecting aportable electronic device enclosed within from multiple environmentaleffects, including heat, cold, water, and impact forces from beingdropped. Further, embodiments of the invention relate to a thermalmasking material which can be used in a variety of applications wherereduced visibility and heat detection is desired such as military, lawenforcement, and hunting, as well as products incorporating the thermalmasking material.

Description of Related Art

Exposing a cell phone to an outside heat source is the most common causeof overheating. Leaving a phone sitting directly in the sun, inside ahot car or under a lamp that produces heat can cause the phone to feelhot to the touch. Particularly harmful is to expose the battery to heatwhen it is fully charged, as the battery will be periodically checkedand charged back up to 100 percent, applying stress. Depth of dischargealso affects battery life, meaning it is best not to let the charge rundown to zero percent. Anything over about 30 degrees centigrade willstart negatively impacting a lithium-ion battery, and this is atemperature phones typically climb above every time charging occurs.

With temperatures consistently reaching the high nineties or more,leaving a phone in a vehicle can quickly lead to overheating. If a phoneneeds to be left in a vehicle, it should be tucked away in a shady spot.This protective action may not completely stop the phone from reachinghigh temperatures, but it will be much safer than leaving it in directsunlight.

It is known that smart phones are sensitive to environmental conditions.By way of example, temperatures in excess of 95° Fahrenheit, as well astemperatures less than 32° Fahrenheit, can negatively affect theperformance of a cell phone. Some smartphones list the optimum range oftemperatures in their technical specification. For example, when thephone is turned off, an iPhone can withstand temperatures between −4°and 113° Fahrenheit. When the phone is turned on, the range is muchnarrower. Apple suggests 32° Fahrenheit as the lowest operating ambienttemperature. Other phones are rated for much lower temperatures, andsome can go as low as −4° Fahrenheit while in operation.

When lithium-ion batteries are exposed to cold temperatures, theirperformance suffers. When cold, a phone battery can drain faster thannormal or it might indicate it has ample power remaining and thensuddenly go dead. The problems are only temporary and the battery shouldbehave normally when the device is brought back up to warmertemperatures. Heat affects mobile phones, mobile laptops and mobiletablets that are exposed to the sun or heat when, for example, they areexposed to direct sun when located on a boat or left in a car during thesummertime. Cold affects mobile phones, mobile laptops and mobiletablets that are exposed to cold ambient temperatures when, for example,being utilized on a ski slope.

Dropping a cell phone can cause damage to multiple portions of a cellphone. Cracked glass is one of the most common forms of damage to brokencell phones. The glass can crack when a phone is dropped or accidentallystepped on, or crushed while leaning against an object. Manufacturersare trying to make cell phones sturdier as the devices become moreadvanced, but smartphone screens are still made of breakable glass.

Dropping of a cell phone can affect the cell phone buttons. Buttons thatdo not work or stick are functionally problematic. Nonfunctioningbuttons affect the ability to text, search the Internet, and dial thephone. Buttons may stop working because of a cell phone's circuits beingexposed to moisture or heat, or become broken as a result of a drop.

Cell phone speakers can stop working due to loose or corroded internalparts, or damaged hardware from dropping the phone. There is a need foran environmentally protective sleeve for a cell phone, smart phone,laptop, or tablet that protects these mobile electronic devices fromoverheating, extreme cold, damage from being dropped, and damage fromwater.

Thermal signatures (such as an IR signature) are known, as are ways tomask the thermal signature with a reflective material like that ofmetalized Mylar. Such masking has been utilized for security, militaryand law enforcement. However, while masking the thermal signature of theindividual or a piece of equipment such as a military tank, thereflective material draws attention to an adverse distant observer byway of its reflection of light. There is a need for a material that willmask a thermal signature while minimizing reflective light. Suchmaterial, as taught herein, may also be used to protect an electronicdevice from damage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to embodiments, the present invention provides a protectivesleeve for an electronic device. The protective sleeve may have multiplelayers, including a reflective layer, one or more insulating ordurability layers, which may include a buoyant layer, and a protectivelayer. In embodiments, the layers may also be referred to as surfaces.In embodiments, the reflective layer is the outermost layer. Thereflective layer can be made of metalized Mylar® or a material withsimilar reflectivity and can have an emissivity within a range of about0.05 to 0.40. In embodiments, the protective sleeve includes a buoyantlayer disposed between the outermost layer and an innermost layer, whichcan be made of foam or other buoyant material with a thickness in therange of about 0.12 inches to 1 inch. In embodiments, the protectivelayer is the innermost layer (i.e. closest to the electronic device) andis made of fleece, microfleece, or similar material. In embodiments, theinnermost layer containing fleece or microfleece can serve as aninsulating layer or as both an insulating layer and a protective layer.In embodiments, the protective sleeve can include only 2 layers of thosedescribed above, or can include 3 or even 4 or more layers. According toembodiments, the electronic device that is housed by the thermalprotective sleeve is a smart phone, cell phone, laptop, or tablet.

According to other embodiments, the present invention provides aprotective sleeve for an electronic device where the outer layercomprises a printed layer and/or colored layer. A reflective layer canbe located beneath the printed outer layer. The outer layer may becomposed of nylon or similar material. In embodiments, the layers of theprotective sleeve are arranged from the outermost to innermost layersaccording to a first layer which is a colored material; a second layerwhich is a reflective material; a third layer which is nylon ripstop orsimilar material; a fourth layer which is foam; and a fifth layer whichis microfleece. In other embodiments, the colored material can beprinted. In other embodiments, the layers of the protective sleeve arearranged from the outermost to innermost according to a first layerwhich is a colored material; a second layer which is a reflectivematerial; a third layer which is foam; and a fourth layer which ismicrofleece. In other embodiments, the protective sleeve can have anarrangement of layers from the outermost to innermost layers as follows;a first layer which is a reflective material; a second layer which isnylon ripstop or similar material; a third layer which is foam; and afourth layer which is microfleece. Any combination of these types oflayers is feasible depending on the application and additional or fewerlayers can be included.

According to embodiments, the emissivity of the protective sleeve may bein the range of 0.05 to 0.6, including 0.4 to 0.6, 0.2 to 0.4, 0.3 to0.5, 0.05 to 0.2, and so on. Further, the thermal protective sleeve asdisclosed herein is capable of protecting an electronic device within arange of negative 32° Fahrenheit to 300° Fahrenheit.

According to various embodiments, the reflective layer may be a laminatewhich includes two materials: a highly reflective continuous metalizedMylar® polyester film (such as aluminized polyester film) laminated toRip Stop Nylon or similar material.

Various features and advantages of the invention, only some of which arediscussed herein, are described as follows according to embodiments. Inembodiments, the protective sleeve is capable of providing thermalprotection which protects the mobile electronic devices from overheatingin direct and indirect sunlight and high ambient temperatures. Further,in embodiments, the protective sleeve is capable of floating in water,with or without a mobile electronic device inside. Additionally, inembodiments, the protective sleeve is capable of reflecting infrared(IR) and ultraviolet (UV) heat from sunlight. Further, in embodiments,the protective sleeve is capable of providing access to charging portson the electronic device, allowing a user to stream Bluetooth® data,and/or allowing a user to send and receive phone calls and other dataduring use. Still further, in embodiments the protective sleeve iscapable of providing drop/shock protection during use.

Further, according to embodiments, the protective sleeve is capable ofbeing used with or without a protective case housing the device.Additionally, according to embodiments, the protective sleeve is capableof providing insulation from extreme cold such that it is capable ofpreventing the device from freezing when temperatures are below 32° F.Additional embodiments include a feature such as a user ID tag for theowner to place initials or other identifying information on the tag.

Additional embodiments include a thermal masking material which includesa colored or printed outer layer and a continuous metalized reflectivelayer such as a metalized reflective polyethylene terephthalate (PET)film (e.g. Mylar®) disposed beneath the colored or printed outer layeras an inner liner. In embodiments, the continuous metalized reflectivematerial is laminated to a Rip Stop Nylon material or similar material.In embodiments, the reflective layer is disposed between an inner linerand an outer surface layer as a middle layer. The thermal maskingmaterial can have a variety of uses such as a sniper blind, camouflageclothing, or camouflage covering. Further, the thermal masking materialcan cover a piece of equipment or a human such that there is an air gapbetween the piece of equipment or human and the material. The air gapcan include cooled air.

Further, embodiments of the thermal masking material include an outernylon layer and a continuous metalized Mylar material layer attached,bonded, or laminated to the underside of the outer nylon layer. Theouter nylon layer can be printed and/or colored. The nylon layer caninclude Rip Stop Nylon. In embodiments, the reflective surface islocated as a middle layer between an outer layer and an inner layer,whereby the inner layer is water resistant. In other embodiments, thereflective surface is located between an outer layer which is waterresistant and an inner layer which is a porous layer. Other embodimentsinclude a tape which includes an outer layer, a reflective middle layerand an innermost adhesive layer which can be used to seal air leaks.

These embodiments as well as additional embodiments and their featureswill be apparent in the foregoing Detailed Description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate certain aspects of embodiments ofthe present invention, and should not be used to limit the invention.Together with the written description the drawings serve to explaincertain principles of the invention.

FIG. 1A is a schematic drawing showing an outer view of a protectivesleeve according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a schematic drawing showing a layer composition of aprotective sleeve according an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1C is a schematic drawing showing a cross-section of a portion of aprotective sleeve and its layer composition according to an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing showing a layer composition of aprotective sleeve according an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing showing a cross-section of a protectivesleeve showing its layer composition according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4A is a schematic drawing showing the direction of placement orremoval of an electronic device from a protective sleeve according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B is a schematic drawing showing an outer view of a protectivesleeve according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5A-C are schematic diagrams showing various interior dimensions ofa protective sleeve according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6A-C are schematic diagrams showing various interior dimensions ofa protective sleeve according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing showing a cross-section of a protectivesleeve showing its layer composition according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing showing an outer printer layer of aprotective sleeve according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic drawings showing a protective sleeveconstruction for protecting a tablet or laptop computer according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a photographic image showing a reflective continuousmetalized Mylar® layer (bottom of image) and a layer of Rip Stop Nylon(top of image), which together are laminated to form an outer orinternal laminated layer in various embodiments of the protectivesleeve.

FIG. 12 is a thermal image of a human.

FIG. 13 is a thermal image of a train and multiple individuals.

FIG. 14 is a thermal image of a human running away.

FIGS. 15-16 are thermal images from testing taken with a forward lookinginfrared (FUR) camera at 640×480 resolution.

FIGS. 17-19 are drawings showing camouflage outerwear embodiments of thethermal masking material of the invention.

FIG. 20 is a photograph showing a sniper-blind embodiment of the thermalmasking material of the invention.

FIG. 21 is a drawing showing a tank-covering embodiment of the thermalmasking material of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a drawing showing a camouflage thermal masking tapeembodiment of the thermal masking material of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various exemplary embodiments ofthe invention. It is to be understood that the following discussion ofexemplary embodiments is not intended as a limitation on the invention.Rather, the following discussion is provided to give the reader a moredetailed understanding of certain aspects and features of the invention.

As used herein, the term “about” is understood as within a range ofnormal tolerance in the art, for example within 2 standard deviations ofthe mean. The term “about” can be understood as within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%,6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value.Unless otherwise clear from the context, all numerical values providedherein are modified by the term “about.”

As used herein, the term “metallized” (as in “metallized” Mylar®) refersto a material such as a polymer film which has been coated with a thinlayer of metal, such as aluminum, chromium, or nickel, typically througha physical vapor deposition (PVD) process. The thin layer of metal canbe coated on one surface of the material or both surfaces.

As used herein, the term “laminated” (or variations including“laminate”, “lamination”, and the like) refers to the process or resultof creating a composite material by joining two layers together,typically under heat and pressure and through use of an adhesive.

As used herein, “Mylar®” may be used interchangeably with“biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film”,“polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film”, “polyester film”, and similarterminology.

According to embodiments, the protective sleeve may include two layers(outer, inner), three layers (outer, middle and inner), or four layers(outer, first middle layer, second middle layer, inner layer). Inembodiments, the protective sleeve may include one or more layer ofmaterial in any number of layers. One or more of the layers of theprotective sleeve may be bonded together, or may not be bonded together.In embodiments, some, all or none of the layers of material of theprotective sleeve may be bonded to another layer in the protectivesleeve. In embodiments, some, all or none of the layers of material ofthe protective sleeve may be bonded to another layer in the protectivesleeve. In embodiments, some, all or none of the layers of material ofthe protective sleeve may be joined together.

Various embodiments described below include a reflective layer such as ametallized Mylar® polyester film laminated to another material such as aRip Stop Nylon to create a composite material. According to embodiments,the reflective layer may have a reflective surface (e.g. a surface whichincludes a thin metallic film which is deposited through metallization)and a non-reflective surface, or two reflective surfaces. In someembodiments where the reflective layer has one reflective surface, thecomposite may be manufactured such that the non-reflective surface isbound directly to the Rip Stop Nylon, such that the reflective surfaceremains exposed. In other embodiments where the reflective layer has onereflective surface, the composite may be manufactured such that that thereflective surface is bound directly to the Rip Stop Nylon such that thereflective surface is hidden. In embodiments where the reflective layerhas two reflective surfaces, one reflective surface will be bounddirectly to the Rip Stop Nylon and hidden, and one will remain exposed.Thus, in embodiments of the protective sleeve which follow, a reflectivesurface may face outward (away from the electronic device), inward(toward the electronic device), or both inward and outward. Theorientation of the reflective surfaces will depend on the particularapplication of the protective sleeve (e.g. whether it is intended toprotect the device from heat, cold, or both). Further, the reflectivesurface(s) may be hidden (e.g. covered by another layer) or exposed. Notwishing to be bound by theory, it is the reflective surface(s) of thereflective layer which are believed to primarily trap/reflect infraredenergy within or keep infrared energy out of the protective sleeve.

A two-layer embodiment of the invention provides an outer reflectivelayer and inner protective layer. The outer reflective layer may includeMylar® polyester film, such as a highly-reflective “continuous”metalized Mylar® polyester film, or aluminized polyester film laminatedto a Rip Stop Nylon or similar material, and the emissivity of the outerlayer may be in the range of about 0.05 to 0.40, such as less than 0.40,less than 0.30, less than 0.20, or less than 0.10. For example, theemissivity can be 0.1 to 0.2, or 0.02 to 0.35, or 0.01 to 0.25, or 0.04to 0.15, and so on. Further, in embodiments, the outer metalized surfaceof the outer reflective layer has a reflectivity in the range of between80% and 100%, with a preferred range between 90% and 100%. The innerprotective layer may include a micro-fleece type material (lining) whichis capable of protecting the touch screen on the device and preventingscratches.

A three-layer embodiment provides an outer reflective layer, a middleinsulation/air space layer, and an inner protective layer. The outerreflective layer may include Mylar® polyester film such as ahighly-reflective “continuous” metalized Mylar® polyester film, oraluminized polyester film laminated to a Rip Stop Nylon or similarmaterial, and the emissivity of the outer layer may be less than 0.40(0.05-0.40 is a preferred range), or in any range provided herein.Further, in embodiments, the outer metalized surface of the outerreflective layer has a reflectivity in the range of between 80% and100%, with a preferred range between 90% and 100%. The middle insulationlayer may include ⅛-⅜″ thick open cell insulation foam which providesbuoyancy and additional drop/shock protection for the device. The insideprotective layer may include a micro-fleece type material (lining) whichprotects the touch screen on the device and prevents scratches.

A first four-layer embodiment provides an outer reflective layer, afirst middle insulation layer, a second middle insulation layer, aninner protective layer. The outside reflective layer may include Mylar®polyester film or aluminized polyester film or similar material, and theemissivity of outer layer may be less than 0.40 (0.05-0.40 is apreferred range), or in any range provided herein. The first middleinsulation layer may include nylon or polyester Rip Stop materialsimilar to 70D Rip Stop Nylon. The second middle insulation layer mayinclude a ⅛-⅜″ thick open cell insulation foam which provides buoyancyand additional drop/shock protection for the device. The insideprotective layer may include a micro-fleece type material (lining) whichprotects the touch screen on the device and prevents scratches.

A second four-layer embodiment provides an outer protective double layerwhich includes a layer of printed Rip Stop Nylon or similar material anda highly-reflective “continuous” metalized Mylar® polyester film, oraluminized polyester film laminated to a Rip Stop Nylon or similarmaterial. Further, in embodiments, the surface of the outer reflectivelayer has a reflectivity in the range of between 80% and 100%, with apreferred range between 90% and 100%. Further, this embodiment includesa middle insulation/air space layer and an inner protective layer. Themiddle insulation layer may include ⅛-⅜″ thick open cell insulation foamwhich provides buoyancy and additional drop/shock protection for thedevice. The inside protective layer may include a micro-fleece typematerial (lining) which protects the touch screen on the device andprevents scratches.

A third four-layer embodiment provides an outer reflective layer, afirst middle insulation layer, a second middle insulation layer, aninner protective layer. The outside reflective layer may include Mylar®polyester film, such as a highly-reflective “continuous” metalizedMylar® polyester film, or aluminized polyester film laminated to a RipStop Nylon or similar material, and the emissivity of outer layer may beless than 0.40 (0.05-0.40 is a preferred range), or in any rangeprovided herein. Further, in embodiments, the outer metalized surface ofthe outer reflective layer has a reflectivity in the range of between80% and 100%, with a preferred range between 90% and 100%. The firstmiddle insulation layer may include nylon or polyester Rip Stop materialsimilar to 70D Rip Stop Nylon. The second middle insulation layer mayinclude a ⅛-⅜″ thick open cell insulation foam which provides buoyancyand additional drop/shock protection for the device. The insideprotective layer may include a micro-fleece type material (lining) whichprotects the touch screen on the device and prevents scratches.

According to embodiments, a closure can be provided to close theprotective sleeve, which closure may be a plastic spring strip closureor other closure system such as a hook and loop closure or similar typeof closure. However, according to embodiments, the closure may beconfigured so that it does not seal the sleeve and thus allows thermalenergy to dissipate through. Further, any embodiment may include a woventag which provides a user ID on the tag.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1A shows an embodiment of a protectivesleeve 101 during use. At the top of the protective sleeve 101 is areinforced closure 105 for closing the sleeve over a cell phone duringuse. Also shown are one or more internal seams 115 which can be used tobind together the various layers of the protective sleeve. The internalseams may be provided at the bottom and sides of the protective sleeveto join the various layers together, while leaving an opening at the topof the protective sleeve where the reinforced closure is provided. Atthe bottom left is a woven tag 195 for indicating branding or personalidentification indicia, however, such a tag can be placed anywhere onthe protective sleeve. FIG. 1B schematically shows that the structure100A of the various layers of a 4-layer embodiment may be generallyimplemented as an outer reflective layer 125, a first middle layer belowthe outer reflective layer which is a durability layer 130, a secondmiddle layer below the first middle layer which is an insulation layer135, and an inner layer below the insulation layer which is a protectivelayer 140. FIG. 1C shows that this structure 100B of the 4-layerembodiment may be specifically implemented as an outer Mylar® layer 155,a first middle layer which is Rip Stop Nylon 160, a second middle layerwhich is open cell foam 165, and an inner or interior layer which is amicro fleece liner 170. Additional or fewer layers may be incorporated.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show different perspective views of the composition of a4-layer (or 4-material) embodiment, where FIG. 2 illustrates the layeredcomposition itself 200 and FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of theprotective sleeve 301 to further illustrate the arrangement of layers inthis embodiment. The outer layer 220, 320 (Material A) is an IRReflective material with an emissivity in the range of about 0.05-0.2constructed of Mylar® such as a highly reflective “continuous” metalizedMylar® or material with similar properties. The first middle layer 240,340 (Material B) may be nylon or polyester Rip Stop material similar to70D Rip Stop Nylon. The second middle layer 260, 360 (Material C) isopen cell foam or similar material. The inner or interior layer 280, 380(Material D) is polyester microfleece or similar type material. Inembodiments, the open cell foam of Material C is provided as thethickest layer of the construction. In embodiments, the open cell foamis provided at a thickness of at least ⅜ of an inch.

In another embodiment (shown in FIG. 3), the outer layer 320 (MaterialA) is printed Rip Stop Nylon or similar material. The first middle layer340 (Material B) is an IR Reflective material with an emissivity in therange of about 0.05-0.2 constructed of Mylar® or material with similarproperties. The second middle layer 360 (Material C) is open cell foamor similar material. The inner or interior layer 380 (Material D) ispolyester microfleece or similar type material. In embodiments, the opencell foam of Material C is provided as the thickest layer of theconstruction. In embodiments, the open cell foam is provided at athickness of at least ⅜ of an inch.

Turning now to FIG. 4A, shown in this embodiment 401 is the direction ofplacement or removal of a mobile electronic device from a protectivesleeve. FIG. 4B shows an outer view of another embodiment of aprotective sleeve with the device removed, including, at the top, areinforced opening/closure system 405, below that, the body of theprotective sleeve itself 401 to protect the mobile electronic device,and at the bottom left, the branding or user ID tag 495.

FIGS. 5A-5C show various dimensions of a particular embodiment of theprotective sleeve, where FIG. 5A shows that the protective sleeve has athickness of, in one embodiment, 13.65 mm, FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C show thatthe protective sleeve has a width of, in one embodiment, 84.29 mm andFIG. 5B shows the protective sleeve has a height of, in one embodiment,164.57 mm. FIGS. 6A-6C show various dimensions of another embodiment ofthe protective sleeve, where FIG. 6A shows that the protective sleevehas a thickness of, in one embodiment, 13.45 mm, FIG. 5B and FIG. 5Cshows that the protective sleeve has a width of, in one embodiment,73.47 mm and FIG. 5B shows the protective sleeve has a height of, in oneembodiment, 144.64 mm.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of a 5-layer (or 5-material) embodiment ofthe protective sleeve 701 which includes an outer layer 710, firstmiddle layer 720, second middle layer 740, third middle layer 760, andan inner layer 780. The outer layer 710 (Material A) is printed Rip StopNylon or similar material. The first middle layer 720 (Material B) is anIR Reflective material with an emissivity in the range of about 0.05-0.2constructed of Mylar®, such as a highly reflective “continuous”metalized Mylar® or material with similar properties. The second middlelayer 740 (Material C) is nylon or polyester Rip Stop material similarto, in one embodiment, 70D Rip Stop Nylon. The third middle layer 760(Material D) is open cell foam or similar material. The inner layer 780(Material E) is polyester microfleece or similar-type material. Inembodiments, the open cell foam of Material D is provided as thethickest layer of the construction. In embodiments, the open cell foamis provided at a thickness of at least ⅜ of an inch.

FIG. 8 shows an outer printed layer 810 of a protective sleeve 801according to an embodiment of the invention. According to thisembodiment, the reflective layer is located beneath the outer printedlayer 810. Further, the outer printed layer 810 can include Rip StopNylon or a coated membrane fabric, and can be printed to include, forexample, camouflage, logos, decorative images, designs, and photos.Further, the outer printed layer 810 should not reduce the emissivity ofthe reflective layer by, in embodiments, more than 15%, such that theoverall emissivity of the protective sleeve is in the range of 0.1 to0.4. Additionally, the outer printed layer 810 should be relativelylight such that it weighs, in a preferred embodiment, less than 6ounces.

In any embodiment of the invention, the outer surface or layer can becoated with any one or more of a water repellant coating, anon-breathable coating, a non-porous coating, a hydrophobic coating, aUV blocking coating, or a UV filtering coating. Further, any embodimentof the invention can include a closure such as a plastic spring stripclosure, hook and loop closure, magnetic closure, and the like. Further,it is preferred that the closure does not seal the sleeve completely toallow thermal energy to dissipate through.

Additionally, any embodiment may include additional features such as awoven tag, easy open pull tabs made of PVC rubber, nylon webbing, orsimilar materials, one or more tether attachment points, a User ID, anda radiofrequency identification (RFID) or Bluetooth low energy (BLW)beacon system or similar technology for alerting the location of theprotective sleeve. Further, in certain embodiments, the protectivesleeve may include one or more pockets for holding miscellaneous items.The one or more pockets can be formed on the outside or insidesurface(s) of the sleeve and have the same or different materialconstruction as the case or sleeve.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a protective sleeve or case 901, 1001 embodiment forprotecting a tablet or laptop computer. According to this embodiment,the protective case 901, 1001 is constructed to include a magnetic orzippered closure system 905, 1005 and may be open or closed by way ofrubber of PVC silicone pull tabs 904, 1004. Additionally, the protectivecase can include one or more pockets, including pockets dimensioned tohold one or more accessories 934 such as an AC adapter/powersupply/plug/charger/cord 944, 1044. An additional pocket may bedimensioned to hold a phone 954, 1054. The one or more pockets may besecured through a hook and loop closure system 924, 1024 and may be openor closed with nylon or webbing pull tabs 914, 1014. In this embodiment,the construction 900 of the protective case has, in an example, anoutermost layer 910 which is Rip Stop Nylon or coated membrane fabricwhich is light in weight (less than 6 ounces). The first middle layer920 is a reflective layer, the second middle layer is Rip Stop Nylon940, the third middle layer is an impact layer 960, and the inner layeris a protective liner 980. FIG. 10 shows that the construction 1000 ofthe multilayer composite material making up the protective caseembodiment may also include a layer of colored or non-colored ballisticnylon as the outer layer 1010, a reflective layer 1020, a layer ofimpact foam as one of the middle layers 1060, and a liner 1080.

FIG. 11 is a photographic image showing a layer of Rip Stop Nylon 1110(top of image) and a reflective continuous metalized Mylar® layer 1120(bottom of image) which together are laminated to form an outer orinternal laminated layer in various embodiments of the protectivesleeve. Interwoven reinforcement threads 1199 are also shown arranged ina cross hatch pattern.

Additional embodiments include a thermal masking material which includesa colored or printed nylon outer layer and an IR reflective layer withan emissivity within the range of 0.05 to 0.2 constructed of a highlyreflective continuous metalized reflective layer such as a metalizedreflective polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film (e.g. Mylar®) disposedbeneath the colored or printed outer layer. Various materials of thethermal masking material include the following layers of materials:

Material A: Printed Rip Stop Nylon

Material B: IR Reflective material with an emissivity within the rangeof 0.05-0.2 constructed and constructed of a highly reflective“continuous” metalized Mylar or similar material

Material C: Nylon or polyester ripstop material similar to 70D Rip StopNylon

Material D: Layer of open cell flat foam surface or similar consistingof no less than ⅜ of an inch thickness

Material E: Polyester micro-fleece or similar type material

The above materials can be utilized in the thermal masking material inany order, such as in the embodiments below:

Embodiment #1 which is reversible provides the layers/materials in thefollowing order: A, B, C, D, C, B, A.

Embodiment #2 which also is reversible provides the layers/materials inthe following order: A, B, C, D, E, D, C, B, A.

Embodiment #3 which is not reversible provides the layers/materials inthe following order: A, B, C, D, E.

Embodiment #4 which is not reversible provides the layers in thefollowing order: A, B, C, D.

Embodiment #5 which is not reversible provides the layers in thefollowing order; A, B, C.

Variations of the above embodiments are contemplated which have lesslayers/materials or layers/materials arranged in a different order,provided that, in embodiments, Material B is always present in at leastone layer of the layered construction.

The thermal masking material may have a variety of uses. FIGS. 12-14show various thermal images which illustrate infrared heat emanatingfrom a human body (FIG. 12), a train and multiple individuals (FIG. 13),and a human running away (FIG. 14), and FIGS. 15-16 shows the results ofthermal testing of embodiments of the invention using a FLIR camera.FIGS. 17-22 show that the thermal masking material may have a variety ofuses such as, for example, camouflage outerwear for hunting or militaryapplications (FIGS. 17-19), a sniper blind (FIG. 20), a tank covering(FIG. 21), and a thermal masking tape (FIG. 22). Any of the productsshown in FIGS. 17-22 are contemplated as within the scope of theinvention, including any variations which can be conceived by a skilledartisan.

In aspects, the invention includes a material comprising a colored orprinted outer surface and a continuous metalized reflective surfacethere beneath.

In aspects, the invention includes a material comprising a colored orprinted outer surface and a continuous metalized reflective surfacethere beneath, wherein the reflective surface is an inner liner.

In aspects, the invention includes a reflective surface disposed betweenan inner liner and the outer surface.

In aspects, the invention includes a material comprising a colored orprinted outer surface and a continuous metalized reflective surfacethere beneath, wherein the outer surface comprises nylon and thecontinuous metalized reflective surface is attached or bonded to anunderside of the nylon.

In aspects, the invention covers a material comprising a colored orprinted outer surface and a continuous metalized reflective surfacethere beneath, wherein the outer surface comprises Ripstop or nylon withinterwoven reinforcement threads arranged in a cross hatch pattern.

In aspects, the invention includes a material comprising a colored orprinted outer surface and a continuous metalized reflective surfacethere beneath, wherein the reflective surface is disposed between theouter layer and an inner layer and the inner layer is water resistant.

In aspects, the invention includes a material comprising a colored orprinted outer surface and a continuous metalized reflective surfacethere beneath, wherein the reflective surface is disposed between theouter layer, which is water resistant, and an inner layer, which isporous.

In aspects, the invention includes tape comprising a colored or printedouter surface or layer, a continuous metalized reflective middle layer,and an innermost surface or layer comprising an adhesive.

In aspects, the invention includes a method of using said tape for oneor more of a sniper blind, clothing, camouflage clothing, camouflagecovering, or camouflage sniper blind, or combinations thereof.

In aspects, the invention includes a method of using said tape to coverequipment, whereby an air gap is disposed between the equipment and thematerial. This method may further comprise circulating cooled air in theair gap.

In aspects, the invention includes a method of using said tape to covera human, whereby an air gap is disposed between the human and thematerial. This method may further comprise circulating cooled air in theair gap.

In aspects, the invention includes a thermal masking product comprisinga first, second, and third surface layered together, wherein the secondsurface is a reflective surface and is disposed between the firstsurface and the third surface such that the reflective surface of thesecond surface is completely or partially covered.

In aspects of the thermal masking product, the second surface isinfrared (IR) reflective with an emissivity of 0.5 to 0.20.

In aspects of the thermal masking product, the second surface comprisesmetalized polyester film.

In aspects of the thermal masking product, the thermal masking productis a thermal masking tape wherein the first and/or third surfacescomprise an adhesive.

In aspects of the thermal masking product, the first surface comprisesprinted Rip Stop Nylon, nylon with interwoven reinforcement threadsarranged in a cross hatch pattern, or a coated membrane fabric.

In aspects of the thermal masking product, the product is an article ofclothing.

In aspects of the thermal masking product, the second surface islaminated to the first surface, and the first or third surfaces comprisenylon.

In aspects of the thermal masking product, the second surface comprisesmetalized polyester film.

In aspects of the thermal masking product, the metalized polyester filmhas a reflectivity in the range of 80% to 100%.

In aspects of the thermal masking product, the second layer of materialfurther comprises interwoven reinforcement threads arranged in a crosshatch pattern.

In aspects of the thermal masking product, the first surface is an outersurface comprising a coating chosen from one or more of a waterrepellant coating, a non-breathable coating, a non-porous coating, ahydrophobic coating, a UV blocking coating, or a UV filtering coating,or combinations thereof.

In aspects, the invention includes a thermal masking product comprisingthree or more of the following layers:

A. printed Rip Stop Nylon;

B. an IR Reflective material with an emissivity within the range of 0.05to 0.4;

C. nylon;

D. open or closed cell insulation foam; and/or

E. microfleece or similar material

wherein layer “B” is always present in the thermal masking product andis disposed between any one or more of layers A, C, D, or E.

In aspects, the thermal masking product is reversible and comprises thelayers in the following order: A, B, C, D, C, B, and A.

In other aspects, the thermal masking product is not reversible andcomprises the layers in the following order: A, B, C, D, C, B, and A.

In other aspects, the thermal masking product is reversible andcomprises the layers in the following order: A, B, C, D, E, D, C, B, andA.

In other aspects, the thermal masking product is not reversible andcomprises the layers in the following order: A, B, C, D, E, D, C, B, andA.

In other aspects, the thermal masking product is reversible andcomprises the layers in the following order: A, B, C, D, and E.

In other aspects, the thermal masking product is not reversible andcomprises the layers in the following order: A, B, C, D, and E.

In other aspects, the thermal masking product is reversible andcomprises the layers in the following order: A, B, C, and D.

In other aspects, the thermal masking product is not reversible andcomprises the layers in the following order: A, B, C, and D.

In other aspects, the thermal masking product is reversible andcomprises the layers in the following order: A, B, and C.

In other aspects, the thermal masking product is not reversible andcomprises the layers in the following order: A, B, and C.

In other aspects, the thermal masking product is reversible andcomprises the layers in the following order: C, B, and A.

In other aspects, the thermal masking product is not reversible andcomprises the layers in the following order: C, B, and A.

In other aspects, the thermal masking product is an article of clothing.

In other aspects of the thermal masking product, layer B is laminated tolayer A or layer C.

In aspects of the thermal masking product, layer B comprises polyesterfilm.

In aspects of the thermal masking product, layer B comprises metalizedpolyester film.

In aspects of the thermal masking product, layer B is laminated to layerA or layer C and the thermal masking product comprises nylon withinterwoven reinforcement threads arranged in a cross hatch pattern.

In aspects of the thermal masking product, the metalized polyester filmhas a reflectivity in the range of 80% to 100%.

In aspects of the thermal masking product, it is a plurality of platesconfigured to fit together to cover a piece of equipment.

Various dimensions, materials, designs and embodiments provided in thisdisclosure are not intended to be limiting, but are rather provided byway of example only. An artisan of ordinary skill is capable ofmodifying the dimensions of the protective sleeve to accommodate mobileor portable electronic devices of different dimensions, including a flipphone, smart phone, tablet, and laptop computer, according to themanufacturing specifications of a particular electronic device. Theinterior dimensions can thus be modified to accommodate electronicdevices of different sizes. Further, other embodiments of the inventionmay include materials which have equivalent capabilities to thosediscussed herein, which may be apparent to a person who is skilled inthe art.

The present invention has been described with reference to particularembodiments having various features. In light of the disclosure providedabove, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the practice of the presentinvention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.One skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed features may beused singularly, in any combination, or omitted based on therequirements and specifications of a given application or design. Whenan embodiment refers to “comprising” certain features, it is to beunderstood that the embodiments can alternatively “consist of” or“consist essentially of” any one or more of the features. Otherembodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in theart from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention.

It is noted in particular that where a range of values is provided inthis specification, each value between the upper and lower limits ofthat range is also specifically disclosed. The upper and lower limits ofthese smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded in therange as well. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is intendedthat the specification and examples be considered as exemplary in natureand that variations that do not depart from the essence of the inventionfall within the scope of the invention. Further, all of the referencescited in this disclosure are each individually incorporated by referenceherein in their entireties and as such are intended to provide anefficient way of supplementing the enabling disclosure of this inventionas well as provide background detailing the level of ordinary skill inthe art.

1. A protective sleeve comprising: a first layer which is a reflectivelayer; a second layer which is a protective layer; and a third layerdisposed between the first and second layers which provides insulating,durability, water-resistance, and/or buoyancy effects; wherein thefirst, second, and third layers are disposed in a stacked configuration.2. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the protective layer isdisposed to contact a portable electronic device placed within aninterior of the protective sleeve.
 3. The protective sleeve of claim 1,wherein the reflective layer has an emissivity in the range of about0.05 to 0.6.
 4. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the reflectivelayer has an emissivity in the range of about 0.05 to 0.4.
 5. Theprotective sleeve of claim 1, further comprising a fourth layer.
 6. Theprotective sleeve of claim 1, further comprising a fourth layer, whereinthe fourth layer is disposed between the first layer and the third layeror between the second layer and the third layer.
 7. The protectivesleeve of claim 1, further comprising a fourth layer, wherein the fourthlayer provides an additional insulation, water-resistance, durability,and/or buoyancy layer.
 8. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein thefirst layer is polyester film laminated to nylon, and the second layercomprises microfleece or variant thereof.
 9. The protective sleeve ofclaim 1, wherein the first layer is metalized polyester film laminatedto nylon, and the second layer comprises microfleece or variant thereof.10. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the first layer ismetalized polyester film laminated to nylon, the metalized polyesterfilm having a reflectivity in the range of 80% to 100%.
 11. Theprotective sleeve of claim 1, further comprising a colored or printedouter surface.
 12. A protective sleeve comprising: a first, second, andthird layer of material layered together and configured to provide acavity capable of receiving a portable electronic device; wherein thesecond layer of material has a reflective surface and is a first middlelayer disposed between the first layer of material and the third layerof material such that the reflective surface of the second layer ofmaterial is covered.
 13. The protective sleeve of claim 12, wherein thereflective surface of the second layer of material is completelycovered.
 14. The protective sleeve of claim 12, wherein the reflectivesurface of the second layer of material is partially covered.
 15. Theprotective sleeve of claim 12, wherein the second layer of materialcomprises polyester film laminated to nylon.
 16. The protective sleeveof claim 12, wherein the second layer of material comprises metalizedpolyester film laminated to nylon.
 17. The protective sleeve of claim12, wherein the second layer of material comprises metalized polyesterfilm laminated to nylon, having a reflectivity in the range of 80% to100%.
 18. The protective sleeve of claim 12, wherein the second layer ofmaterial comprises an infrared (IR) reflective material with anemissivity of 0.05 to 0.60.
 19. The protective sleeve of claim 12,wherein the first layer of material provides an outer surface comprisingprinted Rip Stop Nylon or a coated membrane fabric.
 20. The protectivesleeve of claim 12, wherein the third layer of material comprises nylonor polyester Rip Stop material.
 21. The protective sleeve of claim 12,further comprising a fourth layer of material.
 22. The protective sleeveof claim 12, further comprising a fourth layer of material comprisingopen or closed cell insulation foam.
 23. The protective sleeve of claim12, further comprising a fourth layer of material wherein the fourthlayer of material provides an inner surface with a protective surfacedisposed to contact the portable electronic device.
 24. The protectivesleeve of claim 12, further comprising a fourth layer of materialwherein the fourth layer of material provides an inner surfacecomprising microfleece or variant thereof.
 25. The protective sleeve ofclaim 12, further comprising a fourth layer, and wherein the third layerof material is a second middle layer comprising open or closed cellinsulation foam.
 26. The protective sleeve of claim 12, wherein thereflective surface of the second layer of material is oriented facingtoward the cavity.
 27. The protective sleeve of claim 12, wherein thereflective surface of the second layer of material is oriented facingaway from the cavity.
 28. The protective sleeve of claim 12, wherein theemissivity of the protective sleeve is in the range of 0.05 to 0.6. 29.The protective sleeve of claim 12, wherein the emissivity of theprotective sleeve is in the range of 0.05 to 0.4.
 30. The protectivesleeve of claim 12, wherein the emissivity of the protective sleeve isin the range of 0.1 to 0.4.
 31. The protective sleeve of claim 12,further comprising one or more closure.
 32. The protective sleeve ofclaim 12, wherein the outer layer comprises one or more coating whereinthe coating is chosen from one or more of a water repellant coating, anon-breathable coating, a non-porous coating, a hydrophobic coating, aUV blocking coating, or a UV filtering coating, or combinations thereof.33. The protective sleeve of claim 1 or 12, further comprising one ormore of: a) a woven tag; b) pull tabs; c) a tether attachment point; d)a user ID; e) a radiofrequency identification (RFID) or Bluetooth lowenergy (BLW) beacon system capable of alerting when the sleeve is lost;and/or f) a radiofrequency identification (RFID) or Bluetooth low energy(BLW) beacon system capable of determining and/or transmitting thelocation of the sleeve.
 34. The protective sleeve of claim 12, furthercomprising a colored or printed outer surface.
 35. A protective sleevecomprising three or more of the following layers: A. Rip Stop Nylon; B.IR Reflective material with an emissivity within the range of 0.05 to0.6; C. Nylon; D. Open cell insulation foam; E. Closed cell insulationfoam; and/or F. microfleece wherein layer “B” is always present in theprotective sleeve and is disposed between any one or more of layers A,C, D, E, or F.
 36. The protective sleeve of claim 35, wherein layer “B”is laminated to layer “A” or layer “C.”
 37. The protective sleeve ofclaim 35, wherein layer “B” comprises polyester film.
 38. The protectivesleeve of claim 35, wherein layer “B” comprises metalized polyesterfilm.
 39. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein a reflective surfaceof the reflective layer is oriented facing toward the inside of theprotective sleeve.
 40. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein areflective surface of the reflective layer is oriented facing away fromthe inside of the protective sleeve.